Many people see an outdoor kitchen as the ultimate in luxury entertaining. Whether you want a rustic feel or a sleek and modern space, your outdoor kitchen can extend your living area and provide a wonderful place to entertain.

When designing an outdoor kitchen, there are numerous factors to consider. You deserve a kitchen that is uniquely yours, that serves the various functions you need, and that will hold up for many years to come. Here are a few tips.

Plan for Outdoor Living

Make the most of your outdoor kitchen by designing a space that is truly livable. That means planning for shelter, shade, and temperature regulation.

During the scorching summer months, the priority is keeping yourself and your guests reasonably cool and protected from rain. Planting trees, adding an awning or a pergola, and strategically placing a large patio umbrella can help make your outdoor kitchen more summer-friendly. If you live somewhere with very high summer temperatures, you might consider installing a large misting fan or two for additional comfort.

In the winter, you will need to keep everyone pleasantly warm. A fire pit is the most charming option, but not everyone has the space or interest. An outdoor gas heater is another possibility, available in a wide range of sizes and styles to fit any decorating scheme. Radiant heat across the patio is a wonderful, but expensive, option.

Incorporate Nature

Your outdoor kitchen should harmonize with the natural landscape around it. If your region is tropical, you might want to use natural materials such as bamboo. For a desert area, bold colors can spice up the grays and browns. Look around the space at various times of day, and then choose styles and colors that fit your style but also work well with your surroundings.

Create a Layout

While your indoor kitchen’s layout is largely dictated by the existing walls, doors, and other features, an outdoor kitchen’s layout is yours to decide within the space that you have. A particularly popular choice, though certainly not the only option, is an L-shaped design that clearly defines areas.

Also think about where to place your appliances. Especially in an outdoor kitchen, your cold and hot zones need to be clearly delineated. Your food prep area should be clearly defined, and it should be easily accessed from both your cold and hot zones.

Choose Your Appliances

When your layout is complete, it’s time to choose appliances. Here are some popular options:

Grills and Smokers: A grill, with or without a smoker, is generally the focal point of an outdoor kitchen.

Refrigerator: Although it is possible to get by with coolers and the household refrigerator, your outdoor kitchen will be far more functional if you add at least a small refrigerator. Your guests won’t need to constantly run in and out for drinks, and you won’t constantly have to worry about draining and refilling ice in coolers.

Kegerator: If beer is regularly on your menu, consider installing a kegerator with at least two taps. You can offer multiple types of beer, or even one beer for the adults and one root beer for the kids and non-drinkers.

Ice Maker: You can find a built-in ice maker, but many people don’t have the extra space after installing a refrigerator and/or kegerator. Portable ice makers are an excellent space saving alternative.

Be sure that you choose only outdoor appliances. Indoor versions are not designed to stand up to the elements, and they may not be safe outside.

Select Weatherproof Materials

Your outdoor kitchen needs to be tough to stand up to the elements. Depending on your area, it might encounter heavy rains, high winds, extreme heat, snow, and even ice. Fortunately, there are several materials that hold up well. Stainless steel and tile are among the best choices.

Create a Mood

With the basics in place, it is time to create a mood. Cushioned seating, throw pillows, lighting effects (don’t forget task lighting for work areas!), and garden décor can create the ambience that you desire from your outdoor kitchen. As with appliances and countertops, be sure to select high quality items that are durable and designed for outdoor use.

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